A DECADE OF
Sparking Success
Since its inception in 2013, the CWB Foundation has been committed to raising awareness, advocating for the welding and joining industry, delivering hands-on educational programs and investing in educational infrastructure to address the shortage of skilled professionals in Canada and beyond.
A Message from the CWB Foundation
Over the past ten years, we have established partnerships and programs that are now positively impacting workforce development and skills-based recruitment and retention objectives within welding and welding-related industries. We are proud of our collective efforts to drive awareness and change perceptions to promote, develop and future proof skilled trades and technology employment opportunities. Our mission has always been to empower the next generation of skilled workers and we will continue to find new and innovative ways to achieve that goal.
Impact Map FY 2023-2024
For program coverage from previous years, click here.
Communities Where We've Delivered Programming and Support
$ Investment in Welding Education & Awareness
%
Percentage of Secondary School Using CWB Curriculum Supports
Programs Delivered in French since 2021
Reducing the Labour Gap
For the past 10 years, the CWB Foundation and its partners have delivered hands-on educational programs, camps and workshops designed to address the skilled trade labour shortage and equip workers with the necessary skills for the future. With programs like Mind Over Metal™, Women of Steel™, and tailored educator training, we continuously encourage people from all walks of life to explore welding or welding-related careers and upgrade their skills, directly impacting the future of skilled trades.
5,000+
youth participants at Mind Over Metal and Arx and Sparx camps, with 60% reporting interest in continuing to learn about welding-related careers.
90%
of participants from pre-employment programs were employed within 8 weeks of their program conclusion.
55
pre-employment and upskilling workshops and programs delivered, increasing employability and ensuring skilled welders are entering the workforce.
Shifting the Narrative
Stigma has long undermined the true value and importance of skilled trades. We have continued to challenge these misconceptions by offering programs and education that raise awareness and expose participants to welding as a means of demystifying the world of skilled trades. Our goal? Generate meaningful the conversations with students, parents, educators and industry that need to take place. Skilled trades are not confined to any demographic or background, and we and our partners remain steadfast in our commitment and collaboration to shine a spotlight on diversity within the trades and celebrate everyone’s contributions.
30%
30%of youth program participants identify as female.
5,000+
youth have been introduced to welding through the use of 6 virtual reality welding simulators across Canada, mobilized through a trusted partner network and try-a-trade related events.
160+
160+mentees and 47 mentors are part of the CWB Foundation Mentorship Network, which provides a safe and supportive space to learn, ask and build confidence as welders navigate their careers.
Safe Learning and Working Environments
As the demand for skilled trades continues to grow and the types of skills needed by industry evolve, it is crucial to ensure that students and educators receive proper training in safe learning environments. Our safety initiatives further enhance positive learning environments where students develop their skills with confidence and focus, maximizing their potential and contributing to a thriving, accident-free workforce. By combining our CWB WeldSAFE program, Capital Equipment and Consumables Grants program, and safety training, we’ve created a stronger foundation for safety culture, nurturing the next generation of skilled professionals who prioritize safety as an integral part of their craft.
10,000+
10,000+hours in safety-related training delivered to educators through Educator Training programs to ensure best practices are taught in the classroom.
47
47safety reviews of secondary school welding classrooms completed in 2022-2023 to guarantee students are in safe and supportive environments.
111
111secondary schools received 1,400 upgraded PPE kit sets in 2022-2023 providing over 12,240 Canadian students with access to proper fitting PPE through the CWB WeldSAFE program.
Creating Equitable Opportunities
Through our collaborative efforts, the CWB Foundation and our partners create pathways for individuals who may have been overlooked in the past. For example, The Women of Steel™ Mentorship Network connects female participants with mentors who understand their unique challenges and provide the necessary support for success. Our scholarships and bursaries alleviate financial burdens for students and educators alike, making education and training much more affordable. Our pre-employment programs, Women of Inspection program and the Filling the Gap: Pressure Welding Training program all support with upskilling and increasing workforce competitiveness — all while ensuring that accessibility isn’t a buzzword but a tangible reality for all individuals interested in pursuing and excelling in the skilled trades.
80+
youth camps targeted specifically to Indigenous youth, including specialized curriculum with cultural considerations, projects and guest speakers.
100+
100+programs (camps and workshops) delivered in rural-remote areas across 12 provinces and territories in Canada.
$2,483,700
$2,483,700in scholarships and bursaries to 1,138 students demonstrating financial need who are pursuing education in welding or a welding-related field.
READY TO
Get Involved?
Learn more about upcoming programming opportunities, how you can host a CWB Foundation program or sponsor an initiative today. Join our email list to say in the know with the latest opportunities relevant to you!
Thank you to our supporters
The CWB Foundation programming relies on financial and other support to inspire and educate North America’s next generation of welders and advance their careers through upskilling. With the generous support from our partners, we’re able to continue raising awareness for the skilled trades industry and aid in filling skill gaps with qualified, industry-ready employees and apprentices in welding and welding-related industries.